2
The long race for a seat at Manor is entering its final days, according to the Jakarta Post. The Indonesian newspaper is closely following the fortunes of Rio Haryanto, a local driver who finished the 2015 GP2 season in fourth place.
He is reportedly on pole for a seat at Manor thanks to his backing by the Indonesian government, including the state-owned oil company Pertamina. The latest report suggests Haryanto's wait for news has entered its final week. "I really hope for the best that my dream will come true," he said during a press conference at the youth and sports ministry building in Jakarta.
The Jakarta Post said Haryanto has $5.6 million in Pertamina sponsorship, plus another $7.2 million from the youth and sports ministry. It would appear to make him the favourite for a Manor seat, among other candidates including Alexander Rossi, Will Stevens, Mercedes' Pascal Wehrlein and Kevin Magnussen.
"We would like to express our gratitude to the government - Pertamina and state-owned enterprises - which has been very supportive of Rio reaching F1," said Indah Pennywati, Haryanto's mother. "We are looking forward to good news from Manor Racing regarding Rio's participation in the event by next week," added Pennywati, who is involved with her son's management.
A spokesman for the youth and sports ministry said a down-payment to Manor is due shortly. "Therefore, this week will be a critical time for Rio in entering F1," he said. "We've done our best. We'll all see how it ends." (GMM)
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
M. Verstappen
C. Sainz jr
C. Leclerc
Bahrain
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
Australia
Albert Park
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Italy
Monza
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Brazil
Interlagos
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
3,587 comments on Marussia
1 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Will Stevens
601,514 comments on Mercedes 56 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Mercedes
Replies (2)
Login to replyf1dave
Posts: 782
All you need is $$$$
Pompey
Posts: 84
If he is that good, other teams would be clamouring for his talent. A second rate driver will only produce a second rate performance, what good is that to a team trying to progress? Throwing money at a car is pointless if it is held back by the part that no amount of money can improve.